Ball Drain Wye Strainer Assembly for Screen Service Without Shutdown

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Wye strainers require shutdown of plumbing or heating systems and potential leak paths to service or replace screens, which is inconvenient and can introduce air into the system.

Innovation Solution

A ball drain wye strainer valve assembly with a unitary body and valve members that allows for isolation, drainage, flushing, and purging of the system, enabling screen servicing without shutting down the entire system and minimizing leak paths.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of repair

If the screen in a wye strainer is serviced or replaced, then the screen can be cleaned or replaced to maintain system functionality, but the entire plumbing or heating system must be shut down and multiple valves must be closed, which is inconvenient and can introduce air into the system

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvescreen servicingVSAvoidsystem shutdown

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of repairVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The valve assembly is divided into multiple sections with individual valve members (first valve member at first intersection, second valve member at second intersection) that can be operated independently. This segmentation allows the screen to be serviced by closing only the first valve member while the second valve member remains open to maintain system flow, eliminating the need to shut down the entire system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of repair

If the fluid pressure of the entire plumbing system is released to service the screen, then the screen can be removed and cleaned, but air can be easily introduced into the plumbing system

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvescreen cleaningVSAvoidair introduction

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of repairVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system is segmented into an isolated section (first section with first valve member) and a main system section (second section with second valve member). The first valve member can be closed to isolate the screen for cleaning while the second valve member remains open, maintaining pressure and preventing air from entering the main system during the cleaning operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The first valve member acts as an intermediary element that provides a localized isolation point for the screen. This intermediary valve allows the screen to be serviced without affecting the main system pressure, thereby preventing air introduction while still enabling screen removal and cleaning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of repair

If multiple valves within the system are closed to service the screen, then the screen can be accessed for removal, but this creates potential leak paths both before and after the wye strainer

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvescreen accessVSAvoidleak paths

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of repairVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The valve assembly is segmented with the first valve member positioned specifically at the first intersection to isolate only the screen section. This targeted segmentation allows screen access while keeping the rest of the system sealed through the second valve member, minimizing the number of potential leak paths compared to closing multiple valves throughout the system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Reliability

If the screen openings become clogged with sediment or minerals, then the screen needs to be serviced or replaced, but this requires system shutdown and is inconvenient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvescreen functionalityVSAvoidsystem convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The first valve member provides a dedicated isolation point for the screen, enabling it to be serviced when clogged without shutting down the entire system. The second valve member can remain open to maintain flow through alternative paths, making screen maintenance a convenient local operation rather than a system-wide shutdown.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables convenient servicing of wye strainer screens without system shutdown, reducing the risk of air introduction and potential leaks, while maintaining system functionality.

Implementation Method 1

A first valve member is located at the first intersection of the unitary body, permitting flow from the second port into the first intersection and out of the third port when the first valve member is in a first position. The first valve member will close the fluid passageway between the second port and the first intersection when the first valve member is in a second position.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBall valve flow control: Valve

Data Source

PatentUS11802625B2Ball drain wye strainer valve assembly

Publication Date: 2023.10.31 NIBCO INC

AI summary

A ball drain wye strainer valve assembly includes a wye strainer located adjacent to a T-ball valve within a unitary body. The ball drain wye strainer valve assembly includes an additional valve member. The combination of the valve members permits the flushing of the wye strainer screen from either upstream or downstream. A drain is also incorporated to allow for the system draining, flushing, or air-purging during the initial installation and subsequent maintenance of the screen and wye strainer.